Chris, Did you stuff the case with cream of wheat or some other cereal, such as grits? You need that inert bulk to blow out the case.

Annealing is quite easy. Here’s a step-by-step of how I do it.

* Find a deep-well socket that will eat about a half of your empty case, with the base inserted into the socket. For a 3-1/4" case based on the .500, I use a deep-well ľ” socket. Here’s a pic of my socket holding a .500 3-1/4” case:

* You are going to spin the case in a flame from your propane torch and then drop it into a bucket of water. Here are the components laid out:

* And here is the assembly ready to spin:

* Do this in your garage or other safe place, and be mindful of all proper safety considerations for open flame and hot objects. A concrete floor is ideal. If the work-space is somewhat darkened, that helps.

* Get a bucket with 6 inches or more of cold water. Set it on the floor in front of you.

* Place yourself on a short stool or other seat.

* Have the empty brass, fired or unprimed, in a container handy in front of you.

* Light your propane torch and place it on the floor standing in front of you with the flame facing away.

* Put an empty case into your deep socket, and start it spinning relatively slowly. If it is too fast, the case will rattle and shake too much.

* While the case is spinning, ease the mouth and shoulder of the case into your propane flame. The idea is to heat the front of the case protruding outside the socket. The socket works as a heat sink to protect the head and lower half of the case (which you don’t want to heat).

* Continue spinning the mouth and shoulder in the flame until it starts to glow red. Just until you see it start to glow. The purpose of spinning the case is to heat it evenly all around its circumference. This is why a somewhat darkened workplace is good, so you can see it start to glow.

* Then turn the rig down towards the bucket of water so the case falls free into the water to drench the heat. The case should fall freely from the socket.

* Pick up another empty case and repeat.

* After several repetitions, your socket will get hot. Douse it in your cold water to cool it, and then keep going.

* Retrieve your cases from the bucket of water, let them dry, then prime them, charge them, fill with cream of wheat, seal off with a wad of newspaper or other paper, and blast away.

Easy-peasy!